Death Has Haunted Me!

Death is inevitable, but we have the promise of eternal life

Author's Note

Death Has Haunted Me!

Death has haunted me since my first breath.
Every gasp of air renders me closer to my old foe.
I can run or try to sidestep it,
At a pace tallied as fast or slow,
But in the end living matters not.
This marathon, doubtlessly I’ll lose;
That much I most assuredly know.

I’ve obtained a protective order
On several occasions to delay for me its call.
In time, the mandate is null and void,
And its stake is restored as I fall.
As shades of the past come close to me,
I’m lost in enveloping darkness.
The Grim Reaper extends his sharp claw.

I fear that death has caught up with me.
As I lay moaning and suffering in my bed of thorns,
Dire calls for mercy fall on deaf ears.
With loved ones standing vigilant watch,
Full of grief, tears flowing from their eyes,
It is then that I wail and accept
The fact that death does not come easy.

I tremble from the chill of the tomb.
But then a preacher man reveals the Gospel’s truth to me.
He said to beat death there is a way.
Flesh and bones shall rot and turn to ash,
But that shall be death’s sole source of pay.
Follow Jesus and claim victory.
The hope of eternal life is yours!

Sheila Bowyer Kline
Image via Google

Reviews

[Donna]

Sheila, I enjoyed reading your poem. Ever since I can remember, I was scared to die, and scared of losing loved ones. Now that I'm much much older, and lost most of my family and friends, it's still scary. I think we are all scared of the unknown! Take care Sheila.

[Sheila Kline]

Donna, your words are touching and I do relate to your concerns; the reason why I wrote the poem. I have come to acceptance of this old foe in that it is going to happen no what I may do to prevent it. I believe our spirit lives on, and I've found comfort in this belief!
May you find comfort in the memory of those who've gone before you!!

[barleygirl]

I believe that most people are afraid of death & your poem puts that universal fear into playful terms, as if this chase is stated tongue-in-cheek. I have never been afraid of dying, it rarely crosses my mind. At any point along my journey, I've been satisfied enuf with life to have it end at any time . . . I've lived a ton & I will go willingly feeling complete. I've also never understood why this "eternal" promise is so appealing to people . . . personally, I prefer following Jesus simply becuz he's a great daily friend to have accompany us along our journey thru life. That's why I've always been mystified about this concern with what comes next. You've wrapped this up in a way that many would find reassuring as they face their fears about death (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[NotUsinganymore]

I really enjoyed this poem. there is no escaping death at all since it likes to linger.

Death doesn't affect me too much since i grew up with it.

[Sheila Kline]

I understand how you accept it. I do too as it shall come to all of us; as you, I've just seen so much of it!
Thanks for your kind words!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

"do not go gentle into that good night"---
this is so good...especially like the metaphor of the "protective order"---

I was gone when you posted this...nicely done, Sheila...
j.

[Sheila Kline]

Please accept my apology for not thanking you for this review. My time away left me with unfinished notes of thanks, and return reviews!

[Phill Oz O'fee]

The inevitability of death itself should not be feared, it is how we choose to live our lives; either wastefully or for the greater good! The bubble of time we occupy whilst on this earth is precious and should not be squandered in folly! Wonderfully inspiring write my friend – really makes the reader take note. Bless ... :-)

[Sheila Kline]

Please accept my apology for not thanking you for your kind and insightful words! I have been away from the site for an extended period of time, and I missed this while away. Your review is appreciated!

[Relic]

Death may come like a thief in the night--the news proves this--or it may blow a soft warning breeze that it's coming soon. As we get older, we become more aware that we can not escape him. But if one is confident of where they're going, the end will be joyous.

Your writing is always consistently pleasing to read, Sheila. Great poem.

[emmajoy]

I keep reading or hearing that death is part of living.. finis, done.. with a gentle sigh. Been hearing it from early teens and now x years older i know how true that is.. and your words confirm most people's feelings. Life is or should be, so important that we need push it on and on, use every minute.. but.. there in the shadows are scenes we'd rather not have.. too dark, too frightening. But. rightfully said with your beautifully laid words, trusting the Light is an ordinary human's Linus blanket.. the warmth to needed to live for the day.. not the tomorrow. Perhaps.

[...]

I think when I was,12 I realize one day I have to die. It was really scary realization and still is. To leave my family and loved ones and not see them no more. Your poem is very beautiful crafted and leave reader with wonder maybe death is not so scary well done.

[Sheila Kline]

Thank you for your review! Death may be scary as it holds that which is unknown for many, but I believe there is life beyond and that is a comfort to me!